Decking tile

ABSTRACT

A decking tile is divided into portions arranged in an array, with adjacent portions connected by a membranes adapted to be severed so that portions of the decking tile can be removed. Each portion is further adapted to receive at least two fasteners in order to secure one or more slats to the decking tile.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a Continuation-in-Part U.S. Ser. No.09/616,612, filed, Jul. 14, 2000, which claims priority of AustraliaApplication No. PP1377 filed Jan. 16,1998, through PCT/AU99/00027 filedJan. 15,1999, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a decking tile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Existing decking tiles are typically formed of plastics materialand are arranged to receive wooden slats laid in a side-by-side manner,with the slats connected thereto by screws or similar fasteners. Suchdecking tiles are used for a variety of purposes, including providingflooring for outdoor pavilions and balconies.

[0004] One type of decking tile currently available is divided into a4×4 grid, with holes for fasteners provided centrally in the outer most12 parts. Such tiles are designed to have four slats provided along rowsor columns of the 4×4 grid. Consequently, the middle two slats will haveonly two fasteners holding the slat to the tile, at opposite ends of thetile. The principal problem with this form of tile is that if a portionof the tile is cut away to accommodate a permanent fixture where thetile is laid, some of the slats may have only one fastener to retain itto the tile, with the result that the slat tends to rotate, impairingthe visual appearance of the tile. A secondary problem with this form oftile is that the locking mechanism has a female part provided on twosides and a male part provided on the other two sides of the tile, suchthat each side of any tile can connect to only two sides of anothertile. Where it is desired to form patterns with the wooden slats, thearrangement of the holes for the fasteners and the requirement that eachtile can be connected to only one of two sides of any other tile placesrestrictions on the types of patterns that can be formed.

[0005] Another type of existing decking tile is divided into a 2×2 grid,with four holes forming a diamond provided centrally within each quarterof the tile. The tile is arranged to receive four slats laid in aside-by-side manner on the tile, with each quarter receiving one half oftwo slats. The apertures are provided such that when the slats are laidparallel to a side of the tile, only two holes in each quarter areuseable, with the other two provided in the gap between adjacent slats.The provision of the holes in a diamond pattern allows the slats to beplaced parallel to any side of the tile while still providing a hole fora fastener for each slat in each quarter. If one of the quarters isremoved from such a tile, two slats would then have only one fastener tohold them to the tile, again presenting problems regarding the rotationof slats on the tile. Further, the arrangement and number of holes forfasteners restricts the types of patterns that can be formed with theslats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the invention resides in a decking tile divided intoa plurality of portions arranged in an array, said portions beingconnected to adjacent portions via a plurality of membranes adapted tobe severed, each portion being adapted for removing from said deckingtile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it, each portionarranged to receive at least two fasteners to secure a slat thereto,wherein said at least two fasteners can engage a slat positionedparallel to any side of said decking tile.

[0007] According to a preferred feature of the invention, each portionincludes at least two apertures, each aperture arranged to receive afastener therethrough.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, said apertures are providedspaced from the periphery of the portion.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the apertures are providedon an imaginary line that bisects the portion.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, said imaginary line forms adiagonal of said portion.

[0011] According to a preferred feature of the invention, at least oneaperture is provided in each sub-portion.

[0012] According to a preferred feature of the invention, at least oneof said portions is divided into sub-portions connected by furthermembranes whereby said at least one portion can be sub-divided.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, each portion is rectangularand said sub-portions are triangular to allow said at least one portionto be divided diagonally.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one portion isarranged to allow said decking tile to be sub-divided diagonally.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one aperture isprovided within each sub-portion.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, each portion forms a squarehaving a side length commensurate with that of the width of a slat.

[0017] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said tileincludes connecting means provided at each side thereof such that anytwo sides of adjacent tiles can be connected.

[0018] According to a preferred feature of the invention, saidconnecting means comprises first and second components, each sideincluding both first and second components thereon.

[0019] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said firstcomponent comprises a pair of first arms spaced apart and inwardlydirected; said second component comprises a pair of second arms spacedapart and outwardly directed, wherein said second arms and said firstarms are disposable in a mutually engaged position.

[0020] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said secondcomponent includes a reinforcing member extending between said secondarms.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, said connecting meansincludes locking means arranged to inhibit disconnection of saidconnecting means.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, said locking means comprisesa recess provided on one of said first or second arms and a protrusionprovided on the other of said first and second arms.

[0023] According to a preferred feature of the invention, each side ofthe decking tile is provided with guide means adapted to aid thepositioning of a slat parallel to any side.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide means comprises aplurality of guides spaced along each side.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the guides are arranged sothat a guide of one tile will abut a guide of an adjacent tile whenconnected.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the guides are arranged sothat a guide of one tile will not abut a guide of an adjacent tile whenconnected.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there isprovided a floor covering element comprising a decking tile according tothe first aspect of the invention and a plurality of slats provided onthe decking tile.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there isprovided an improvement in a decking tile arranged to receive aplurality of slats in a side-by-side manner, the decking tile having aplurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats tothe decking tile and connecting means provided around the periphery ofthe decking tile for connecting said decking tile to another deckingtile, said improvement comprising dividing the decking tile into aplurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connectedto adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes adapted to be severed,each portion being adapted for removal from the decking tile uponsevering of the membranes surrounding it, each portion having at leasttwo apertures provided therein, said at least two fasteners can engage aslat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said deckingtile.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there isprovided an improvement in a decking tile module comprising a deckingtile and a plurality of slats received by the decking tile in aside-by-side manner, the decking tile having a plurality of aperturesfor receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile andconnecting means provided around the periphery of the decking tile forconnecting said decking tile to another decking tile, said improvementcomprising dividing the decking tile into a plurality of portionsarranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portionsby a plurality of membranes adapted to be severed, each portion beingadapted for removal from the decking tile upon severing of the membranessurrounding it, each portion having at least two apertures providedtherein, said at least two fasteners can engage a slat positioned onsaid portion parallel to any side of said decking tile.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there isprovided a decking tile module comprising a decking tile and claddingsupported from a surface of said cladding, said cladding comprising aplurality of slats which are adapted to be fixed to said tile, saiddecking tile being divided into a plurality of portions arranged in anarray, said portions being connected to each adjacent portion by amembrane adapted to be severed, each portion being adapted for removingfrom said decking tile upon severing of the membranes connecting it tothe other portions, each portion arranged to receive at least twofasteners to secure a slat thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] This invention will now be described with reference to twoembodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a decking tile according to the firstembodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a decking tile according tothe second embodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the decking tile shown inFIG. 2;

[0035]FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of part of two adjacent tilesbeing connected;

[0036]FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the tile shown in FIG. 2with a quarter of the tile cut away;

[0037]FIG. 6, is a lower perspective view of the tile shown in FIG. 5with a quarter of the tile cut away;

[0038]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the decking tile shown in FIG. 2;

[0039]FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the decking tile shown in FIG. 2;

[0040]FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of the decking tile shown in FIG. 2;

[0041]FIG. 7C is a side elevation of the decking tile shown in FIG. 2;

[0042]FIG. 7D is a side elevation of an adaptation of the decking tileshown in FIG. 2;

[0043]FIG. 8 shows slats in a first configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0044]FIG. 9 shows slats in a second configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0045]FIG. 10 shows slats in a third configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0046]FIG. 11 shows slats in a fourth configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0047]FIG. 12 shows slats in a fifth configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0048]FIG. 13 shows slats in a sixth configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0049]FIG. 14 shows slats in a seventh configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0050]FIG. 15 shows slats in a eighth configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0051]FIG. 16 shows slats in a ninth configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;

[0052]FIG. 17 shows slats in a tenth configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon; and

[0053]FIG. 18 shows slats in a eleventh configuration for attaching to adecking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 and is directed towards adecking tile 10 formed by a plastics injection moulding process.

[0055] The decking tile 10 comprises sixteen portions 12 arranged in a4×4 array. Each portion 12 is defined by a wall 13 extending around itsperiphery and is connected to adjacent portions by a plurality ofmembranes 14. Accordingly, any of the portions 12 can be removed fromthe decking tile 10 by severing the membranes 14 surrounding it. Thisallows the decking tile 10 to accommodate permanent fixtures such aspipes and pillars where the decking tile is laid.

[0056] Each of the portions 12 is square in shape and includes tworeinforcing members 16 extending diagonally from corner to corner, suchthat the reinforcing members 16 form an “X” shape. An inwardly directedflange 18 is provided on the wall 13 of each portion 12 to increase thestructural strength of the decking tile 10.

[0057] One of the reinforcing members 16 in each portion 12 has a pairof feet 20 formed integrally therewith, one to either side of the otherreinforcing member 16. Each of the feet 20 comprises a cylinder 22having a relatively narrow section 24 formed integrally with thereinforcing member 16 and a relatively wide section 26 extending beyondthe reinforcing member 16 so as to protrude from a lower surface of thedecking tile 10. The cylinder 22 has an aperture 28 formed axiallytherein. The aperture 28 has a widened section (not shown) formed in therelatively wide section 26 of the cylinder 22. The aperture 28 isarranged to receive a fastener to retain a slat to an upper surface 30of the decking tile 10. In this regard, the widened section of theaperture 28 is intended to receive a widened portion of the fastener,such as the head of a screw. FIG. 1 is a plan view looking onto theupper surface 30 of the decking tile 10.

[0058] Eight of the portions 12 are sub-divided into two sub-portions 32along the reinforcing member 16 of the portion 12 which does not havethe feet 20 formed integrally therewith. Such portions have tworeinforcing members 16 provided spaced apart adjacent the diagonal alongwhich the portion is sub-divided. The two reinforcing members 16 areseparated by further membranes 34 which can be used to sub-divide theportion 12. Such portions also include further inwardly directed flanges36 provided on each reinforcing member 16. The sub-divided portions 12are arranged in the decking tile 10 to allow it to be divided along adiagonal thereof.

[0059] The decking tile 10 includes a plurality of guides 38 provided atspaced locations around the periphery of the decking tile 10. The guides38 extend upwardly of the upper surface 30 and assist to retain slatsplaced upon the upper surface 30 prior to fastening the slats to thedecking tile 10 in that they prevent the slats from extending beyond theperiphery of the decking tile 10.

[0060] The decking tile 10 further comprises connecting means providedat each side of the decking tile 10 to allow the decking tile 10 to beconnected to any side of an adjacent decking tile. In the embodiment,the connecting means comprises first and second components 40 and 42,respectively, with two first components 40 and two second components 42provided on each side of the decking tile 10 in an interlaced manner.

[0061] Each first component 40 comprises a pair of first arms 44provided spaced apart and having an inwardly directed portion 46. Theinwardly directed portion 46 is spaced from the side of the decking tile10.

[0062] Each second component 42 comprises a pair of second arms 48provided spaced apart. A reinforcing member 50 extends between each pairof second arms 48. Each second arm 48 has an outwardly directed portion52 provided spaced from the side of the decking tile 10. The outwardlydirected portion 52 of each second arm 48 and the inwardly directedportion 46 of each first arm 44 are spaced an equal amount from the sideof the decking tile 10 and are of substantially equal thickness. Toconnect two adjacent tiles together, the tiles are placed adjacent eachother with one tile slightly above the other, which is then lowered tobring the first and second components on the adjacent sides of the tilesinto a mutually engaged position with the first arms 44 of each firstcomponent 40 engaged with the second arms 48 of each second component42.

[0063] The decking tile 10 is symmetrical about axes AA and BB shown inFIG. 1, allowing any side of a decking tile to be connected to any otherside an adjacent decking tile.

[0064] The reinforcing member 50 in each second component 42 increasesthe strength of the engagement between the first and second components40 and 42 by resisting the tendency of the second arms 48 to be forcedtogether if two connected tiles are pulled apart. As shown in thedrawings, the width of the guides 38 are approximately half that of thefirst and second components 40 and 42, so that when two decking tilesare connected together, their guides 38 are touching. However, in apreferred adaptation of the embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7D, the guides39 are offset along the perimeter so that, when the tiles are connected,a guide of one tile does not contact the corresponding guide of theadjacent tile. This arrangement has been found to avoid a problem causeddue to expansion of the tiles which results in the guides pressingagainst corresponding guides thereby causing one or more tiles to belifted obliquely from the horizontal.

[0065] Further, the width of the first and second components 42 is thesame as the distance between the walls 13 of adjacent portions 12, suchthat when decking tiles are laid in an array, the joints between tilesare not prominent.

[0066] The decking tile 10 of the first embodiment is adapted to receivefour wooden slats provided parallel to a side of the decking tile alongrows or columns of the portions 12, the length of each element beingsubstantially equal to the width of the decking tile such that eachwooden slat occupied four portions 12, thereby providing a floorcovering element. In this regard, it is to be noted that the arrangementof the apertures 28 in each portion 12 permits both apertures 28 in eachportion 12 to be used to retain a slat thereto if necessary. This isadvantageous since if some of the portions 12 are removed from the tileto accommodate a permanent fixture, the slat positioned on that row orcolumn will also be divided an may have only one portion 12 to retain itto the decking tile 10. The ability to have two apertures in eachportion 12 retain a slat prevents rotation of a slat even if thatportion 12 is the only portion retaining the slat.

[0067] In addition, the incorporation of the apertures 28 into the feet20 produces an even distribution of the feet throughout the decking tilewhich provides for a more even distribution of weight placed on thedecking tile.

[0068] In addition to the above it has been found that having eachportion able to receive at least two fasteners provides significantflexibility regarding forming patterns with the wooden slats, to bedescribed hereinafter in relation to the second embodiment. Suchpatterns were in the main not possible with previous decking tilesbecause of the arrangement and location of fasteners on those deckingtiles.

[0069] The second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 and is directedtowards a decking tile 60. The decking tile 60 is similar to the deckingtile 10, with like reference numeral denoting like parts.

[0070] In the decking tile 60 of the second embodiment, the furtherflanges 36 are provided on every reinforcing member 16, including thosein portions 12 which are not sub-divided.

[0071] Further, in the decking tile 60 the feet 20 within each quarterof the tile 60 are arranged on parallel lines, with the feet 30 formingconcentric diamond shapes on the entire tile. That is, each quarter ofthe decking tile 60 can be derived by rotating any one of the otherquarters about the centre of the tile. In contrast, the feet on thedecking tile 10 of the first embodiment form diamonds within eachquarter.

[0072] The four inner most portions 12 of the decking tile 60 eachinclude a further cylinder 62 arranged to receive a fastener, such thateach of the four inner most portions 12 can receive three fasteners. Thefurther cylinders 62 are provided on one of the reinforcing members 16and are located adjacent the centre of the tile 60.

[0073] Further, the decking tile 60 further includes additional feet 64as shown in FIG. 3. The additional feet 64 act to further distributeweight placed on the decking tile 60. Where one of the additional feet64 is provided at a sub-division of a portion 12, the foot 64 is itselfsub-divided into two halves so as to still permit removal of one of thesub-portions 32.

[0074]FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the decking tile 60 lookingonto the upper surface 30. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the decking tile60 looking onto the upper surface 30, showing the additional feet 64 indotted outline. FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the decking tile 60looking onto the upper surface 30 FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of thedecking tile 60 looking onto the lower surface. FIG. 7C is a sideelevation of the decking tile 60.

[0075]FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view looking toward the lowersurface 64.

[0076]FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of part of two adjacent tiles60 showing the first and second components connected.

[0077] As stated in relation to the first embodiment, each portion 12 orsub-portion 32 can be removed from the tile by severing the membranes 14and/or further membranes 34. FIGS. 5 and 6 shows the decking tile 60with a quarter of the decking tile removed by severing the furthermembranes 34.

[0078] FIGS. 8 to 18 shows examples of some of the upper arrangement offloor covering elements which may be created by the application ofwooden slats to the decking tiles of the invention. Each of FIGS. 6 to12 has the apertures 28 of the decking tile 60 shown in broken lines.

[0079]FIG. 8 shows the typical arrangement forfloor covering elements,with four wooden slats laid in a parallel manner. It is envisaged thatwhere the slats are arranged in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, onlyone fastener in each portion 12 of the decking tile 10 is necessary toensure a secure fixture of each slat to the decking tile. If any of theportions 12 of the decking tile need to be removed, further fastenerscan then be provided in the other apertures 28 to ensure the remainingslat is secured to the decking tile without being able to rotate.

[0080]FIG. 9 shows an arrangement of the wooden slats, with the middletwo slats being cut so as to form a diamond (from two triangles) in themiddle of the tile. Because the cuts of the middle two slats fall overthe apertures 28 in the inner most four portions, the further cylinders62 provide a mechanism for securing the inner most triangles of thewooden slats to the tile. It is specifically for this pattern that thefurther cylinders 62 are provided on the decking tile 60. If it was notdesired to produce this pattern, the further cylinders 62 would not benecessary.

[0081] FIGS. 10 to 18 show further patterns of wooden slats that can beaccommodated on the decking tiles of the second embodiment. Most ofthese patterns can also be accommodated on the decking tile of the firstembodiment.

[0082]FIG. 14 shows a further arrangement of the wooden slats, with themiddle two wooden slats being replaced with two trapezoid-shaped slatsand with triangle shaped slats at each end. Whilst the further cylinders62 are not required to retain the slats in this pattern, it is to benoted that this pattern requires the apertures 28 to be provided in theconfiguration shown in relation to the decking tile 60, since theapertures 28 on the decking tile 10 would fall in the gap between thetriangle shaped slats and the trapezoid-shaped slats. It is for thisreason that the arrangement of the apertures 28 and feet 20 shown inrelation to the decking tile 60 is the preferred arrangement.

[0083] Accordingly, it can be seen that the invention provides a floorcovering element which alleviates one of the problems with existingfloor covering elements, in that portions of the decking tile can beremoved and the slats can still be retained to prevent rotation about asingle retaining screw. In addition, the invention provides a deckingtile which is capable of having slats attached to form various patternsto create a variety of floor covering elements, greatly enhancing theaesthetic appearance of the floor covering elements. Such patterns arenot possible with existing decking tiles.

[0084] It should be appreciated that the scope of this invention is notlimited to the particular embodiments described above.

1. A decking tile divided into a plurality of portions arranged in anarray, said portions being connected to adjacent portions via aplurality of membranes adapted to be severed, each portion being adaptedfor removing from said decking tile upon severing of the membranessurrounding it, each portion arranged to receive at least two fastenersto secure a slat thereto, wherein said at least two fasteners can engagea slat positioned parallel to any side of said decking tile.
 2. Adecking tile as claimed in claim 1, wherein each portion includes atleast two apertures, each aperture arranged to receive a fastenertherethrough.
 3. A decking tile as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidapertures are provided spaced from the periphery of the portion.
 4. Adecking tile as claimed in claim 3, wherein the apertures are providedon an imaginary line that bisects the portion.
 5. A decking tile asclaimed in claim 4, wherein said imaginary line forms a diagonal of saidportion.
 6. A decking tile as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least oneof said portions is divided into sub-portions connected by furthermembranes whereby said at least one portion can be sub-divided.
 7. Adecking tile as claimed in claim 6, wherein each portion is rectangularand said sub-portions are triangular to allow said at least one portionto be divided diagonally.
 8. A decking tile as claimed in claim 6,wherein said at least one portion is arranged to allow said decking tileto be sub-divided diagonally.
 9. A decking tile as claimed in claim 6wherein at least one aperture is provided in each sub-portion.
 10. Adecking tile as claimed in claim 1, wherein each portion forms a squareadapted to have a side length commensurate with that of the width of aslat.
 11. A decking tile as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingconnecting means provided at each side thereof such that any two sidesof adjacent tiles can be connected.
 12. A decking tile as claimed inclaim 11, wherein said connecting means comprises first and secondcomponents, each side including both first and second componentsthereon.
 13. A decking tile as claimed in claim 12, wherein said firstcomponent comprises a pair of first arms spaced apart and inwardlydirected; said second component comprises a pair of second arms spacedapart and outwardly directed, wherein said second arms and said firstarms are disposable in a mutually engaged position.
 14. A decking tileas claimed in claim 13, wherein said second component includes areinforcing member extending between said second arms.
 15. A deckingtile as claimed in claim 11 wherein said connecting means includeslocking means arranged to inhibit disconnection of said connectingmeans.
 16. A decking tile as claimed in claim 13 wherein said connectingmeans further comprises a locking means arranged to inhibitdisconnection of the connecting means, wherein said locking meanscomprises a recess provided on one of said first or second arms and aprotrusion provided on the other of said first and second arms.
 17. Adecking tile as claimed in claim 11 wherein each side of the deckingtile is provided with guide means adapted to aid the positioning of aslat parallel to any side.
 18. A decking tile as claimed in claim 17wherein the guide means comprises a plurality of guides spaced alongeach side.
 19. A decking tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guidesextend beyond a plane of contact of the slat with the decking tile. 20.A decking tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guides are arranged sothat a guide of one tile will abut a guide of an adjacent tile whenconnected.
 21. A decking tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guidesare arranged so that a guide of one tile is offset from the guide of anadjacent tile to allow for transverse movement or flexing of the guidesto allow for expansion or flexing of the tile.
 22. A decking tilearranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner, thedecking tile having a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners toretain the slats to the decking tile and connecting means providedaround the periphery of the decking tile for connecting said deckingtile to another decking tile, wherein said decking tile comprises aplurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connectedto adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes adapted to be severed,each portion being adapted for removal from the decking tile uponsevering of the membranes surrounding it, each portion having at leasttwo apertures provided therein, said at least two fasteners can engage aslat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said deckingtile.
 23. A decking tile adapted to support cladding from a surface,said cladding comprising a plurality of slats which are adapted to befixed to said tile, said decking tile being divided into a plurality ofportions arranged in an array, said portions being connected to eachadjacent portion by a membrane adapted to be severed, each portion beingadapted for removable from said decking tile upon severing of themembranes connecting it to the other portions, each portion arranged toreceive at least two fasteners to secure a slat thereto.
 24. A deckingtile module comprising a decking tile and a plurality of slats receivedby the decking tile in a side-by-side manner, the decking tile having aplurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats tothe decking tile and connecting means provided around the periphery ofthe decking tile for connecting said decking tile to another deckingtile, wherein said decking tile is divided into a plurality of portionsarranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portionsby a plurality of membranes adapted to be severed, each portion beingadapted for removal from the decking tile upon severing of the membranessurrounding it, each portion having at least two apertures providedtherein, said at least two fasteners can engage a slat positioned onsaid portion parallel to any side of said decking tile.
 25. A deckingtile module comprising a decking tile and cladding supported from asurface of said cladding, said cladding comprising a plurality of slatswhich are adapted to be fixed to said tile, said decking tile beingdivided into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, said portionsbeing connected to each adjacent portion by a membrane adapted to besevered, each portion being adapted for removing from said decking tileupon severing of the membranes connecting it to the other portions, eachportion arranged to receive at least two fasteners to secure a slatthereto.